Courses

*Environmental Science and Public Policy 90s. The Technology, Economics, and Public Policy of Renewable Energy

Energy is the lifeblood of economic activity, and there is little prospect of this changing. However, the planet’s stores of easily accessed fossil fuels are limited, and the climatological cost of continuing to rely on fossil fuels is high. This course examines the long run and short run prospects for renewable energy. We start by understanding the technology of hydro, solar, wind, and biomass. We then examine the economics of these technologies, and how subsidies and taxes affect their viability. Special attention will be paid to the interaction of technology, economics, and public policy.Note: This course will be offered in a seminar format with an enrollment limit of 50. Prerequisite: Economics 10a.